"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." -- John Adams
Well, Mr. Adams might have been off by two days (citing July 2nd, the day Congress voted for independence from Great Britain), but our Independence Day remains once commemorated throughout the land. I do wish more people saw it not so much as just a day to party, but truly commemorated it as a day of deliverance, truly remembered it for what it
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." -- Erma Bombeck
Freedom's natal day is here.
Fire the guns and shout for freedom,
See the flag above unfurled!
Hail the stars and stripes forever,
Dearest flag in all the world.
-- Florence A. Jones
"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you." --Author unknown
"What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." --Marilyn vos Savant
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